My next guest is inspiring in so many ways. I introduce to you Danny Seo. He is known in the industry as the guru of green design - or in his words he is an eco-stylist.

His goal is to teach people how to live “the Simply Green way”. He is a leading lifestyle authority on green living and green design. He expresses his vision in numerous books that have been published including “Simply Green Parties“, “Simply Green Giving“, “Conscious Style Home“, and “Simple Steps to a Greener Home“.

In addition, he is getting his message across on TV as a regular contributer to The CBS Early Show, appearing as their Environmental Lifestyle Contributor giving tips on environmentally-friendly practices and products. Danny hosted “50 Ways to Save the Planet” for the Fine Living Channel and co-starred in the special “Red Hot & Green” on HGTV. He also created and hosted the series “Simply Green with Danny Seo.”

On the magazine front, he is Editor-at-Large of Country Home magazine, where he writes a monthly column on green and re-use design called “Fresh Thinking”, and that is how I came to know his work! His idea of using vintage silver bowls topped with fresh moss as table decoration is one of my all-time favorites. He teaches us that we need not sacrifice style for environmentally-friendly design.

In recent news, Danny has been partnering with JCPenney on their big effort to Go Green. He styled a “look book” for a line of JC Penney products to debut this Spring (including organic cotton towels, bedding, and bamboo blankets).

He is also an active member of the online community through his blog “Daily Danny“. Make sure to put it on your daily reads list for lots of eco-design and re-use projects and tips. In addition, he just started a regular column chronicling the renovation of his mid-century home in Pennsylvania at The Huffington Post.

Danny, we can see that you have a lot going on in your life, so thanks so much for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better here at Design*Sponge

Q: We know that you are busy with the house remodel…what are some of the challenges you run into when trying to do a “green remodel”? Are there any new green building products you are excited about using?

A: Cost is always a big issue. You get so excited about trying the latest and greatest energy efficient products but they can sometimes cost way beyond what you thought imaginable! I’m looking into installing a living roof on my new house and, well, putting an intricate sedum garden on the roof is like lining it with money!

But what I have found is that there are some areas that it’s easier than ever to go green. Kitchen appliances are a great place to modernize and refresh a kitchen, but also save money on your utilities. I just went to Lowe’s Home Improvement on a Saturday and pointed to Energy Star rated Bosch appliances for my kitchen. I earmarked lots of time for this project but was done in like 20 minutes. It was great.

Q: Your style feels relaxed and comfortable and obviously grounded in nature.
What are some of your favorite colors that you like to use to express your style and do you have any favorite eco paint brands?

A: I always look for low VOC paints, which is pretty easy to find at your favorite paint stores. For pre-mixed color paints, I am rather fond of the color palettes from Yolo Color House and Serena & Lily’s line. They do all the guesswork for you to end up with rich, slightly complicated colors that work together. When I custom tint, I use a color matching device that I have from Benjamin Moore called the Pocket Palette. I just point it to, say, a leaf and it tells me the exact shade of green it is in the Benjamin Moore line.

Q: We know that you don’t like to sacrifice good design for eco-friendliness. Are there any new eco-conscious home decor brands that you are excited about?

A: JCPenney! I’m really excited to be working with them. This is really, truly where America shops, and to offer truly green products for all rooms of the house at our affordable prices is really great. People complain green is really expensive. This will really help change their minds. I also shop the clearance section of the online store Viva Terra; you can score some great bargains there.

Q: I’m a big fan of antiques and I know you are too. What are a few of your favorite haunts for antiquing?

A: I like places nobody knows about. I am usually in Lambertville, NJ rooting around flea markets and antique shops. When I travel (all the time!) I’ll look for junk stores, antique districts and even out of the way Goodwill shops to see what’s for sale. You can find the most interesting ornaments, stationary, vintage wallpaper, cookware, dishes, etc. You just never know what you’ll find and it’s usually a real steal.

Q: Who or what are you most inspired by?

A: Crafty people. The online world has really let people share their handiwork with the world. To see different craft ideas to transform an old book into a million different things is amazing. I work in the print world at Country Home where we come up with stories months ahead of time. Going on fabulous craft/design blogs everyday keeps me thinking up new ideas and recharged and energized to think out of the box.

Q: What is your most recent hidden travel “gem” or favorite destination?

A: The world has been picked over so many times, but I have some favorite places. In Taipei, they have the jade market on Sundays where it’s nothing but row after row of jade for sale: Rings, bracelets, pendants, sculptures, etc… you name it. I know nothing about jade quality, so it’s all beautiful to me… so I buy very inexpensive jade pendants for almost nothing and use them as ornaments on the Christmas tree. I think that’s the fun part about world travel..you can find unusual places still and find things to use in your own special way.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant?

A: Nothing beats a glass of champagne, pomme frites with mayo, and an herb omelette at Pastis in New York City.

Q: How has having a blog changed the way you do business?

A: It has. It’s something I do for fun and I really do write my own blog. It has allowed to test ideas and throw concepts out there and get an immediate response. If I’m unsure about a project, I post a photo and ask people what they think. I always get an immediate response from folks. It has also increased book sales as well, which is something I’m really happy about.

Q: What’s the newest project up your sleeve?

A: I’m working with Simmons to create my own mattress called the Simmons Natural Care by Danny Seo. It’s the healthiest, greenest sleep system in my opinion, made with natural latex from the rubber tree and a soy based foam. It’s naturally dust mite, mold and mildew resistant too. It’ll be in JCPenney stores this Spring.

I also work with Method cleaning products, those really yummy smelling non-toxic products. We have lots of fun ideas for 2008 coming out. They really are the true innovators of the green cleaning category and you can expect amazing things from them.

Q: What would you get up early for?

A: My appearances on CBS The Early Show! Call time is 6AM! And the bi-annual Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza in Kutztown, PA every year!